This is Aesculus hippocstanum from the Sapindaceae family. It is a large deciduous tree with a crowned habit and compound palmate leaves. The leaves consist of 5-7 oblong leaflets that are dark green and turn red-brown in autumn as the tree falls into dormancy for the winter. The large spikes of white flowers that vary in colour due to the age of the flower from pink, orange or yellow. It is a fertile plant that produces spikey fruit with conker seed inside.

The seeds contain aesculin which is toxic to many animals including humans because it causes hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) which is rather concerning as plenty of families play conkers as a pastime! I know I did! Some animals such as squirrels are resistant to aesculin so don't worry if you see animals eating them, it won't necessarily harm them depending if they are resistant or not. The seeds and foliage are also being used for medicinal purposes.

Height; 12m; Spread: 8m; H7; Span; 20-50years; pH: 6.1-7.5; Prefers full sun to partial shade in well drained but moist soil.

Aesculus x carnea is an offspring of Aesculus hippocastanum and Aesculus pavia.